Things I Know for Sure.....

"You don't know where you're going unless you know where you've been...."

It's been awhile since I've posted anything new, and that's because life has just been busy--which is all good.

Every night after my 3 1/2 year old son goes to bed (I've lost the afternoon nap, save for a few surprise rests here and there) I go to my studio and work like a busy little bee. The house is usually very quiet at that time of night, and my mind gets centered as creative ideas flow through me.

On my bench at the moment are scores of new designs for early fall. I am so excited about the way the work is looking at the moment, and I have so many new ideas I want to pursue after little boy fades into sleep....

During these quiet evenings of work, I have learned a few things about myself that I thought I would share. Oprah calls them "ah-ha" moments. I guess I would call them personal lessons.

While my list is long, here are 10 Things I know For Sure today:

#1. I am so blessed. I have my health, my family and a business that is poised for something great. But most of all, I have for the first time a positive frame of mind. From my mind flows positive thoughts about my work and life; and what I have seen flow back to me as a result is nothing short of a miracle.
#2 Coffee or Mountain Dew at 7 p.m. might sound like a good idea at 7 p.m., but not such a good idea at 2 a.m....
#3 Creating boundaries for yourself is one of the keys to happiness. Being able to say no--gently--when your radar goes up is just as important as saying yes to the important things.
#4 Nothing beats Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale in terms of retail therapy.
#5 See the good in others and they will see the good in you.
#6 There's always another way of looking at the same issue; be open to the way others see it.
#7 If you rule your life by fear, you will never reap the rewards of being truly open to the possibilities that present themselves to you everyday.
#8 There's no shame in having a good dermatologist on hand to fight Mother Nature's cold hands of aging. Call him often!
#9 On a bad day, nothing beats a slice of moist and delicious coconut cake with buttercream frosting.
#10 Have the courage to speak clearly and ask for what you truly want. You just might get it if you do....